Aaron Judge’s injury return timeline pushed back to late August or early September

Aaron Judge’s return from a right rib stress fracture has been pushed back again, with MLB insider Buster Olney now projecting a late-August or early-September comeback for the New York Yankees star.

What happened?

The New York Yankees placed Judge on the 10-day injured list on June 5 with a stress fracture in his right rib. As of July 15, he’s still sidelined, and the club has stayed quiet on a firm return date. But Olney dropped a major update during an ESPN *First Take* appearance on July 15, saying the Yankees are treating Judge’s recovery like the Los Angeles Dodgers handle late-season injuries.

Olney compared New York’s approach to the Dodgers’ strategy of prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains. “I think they’re slow-playing the injury,” Olney said. “It’s a lot like what the Dodgers have done in recent years, where they’re basically telling their stars, ‘Look, we just want to make sure you’re okay at the end of the year.’”

Why it matters for Aaron Judge

Judge is the Yankees’ three-time MVP and their most feared hitter when healthy. The 34-year-old has posted a .375 on-base percentage this season, along with 17 home runs and 38 RBIs in 53 games before the injury. His .248 batting average lags his .291 career mark, but his plate discipline remains elite.

Cashman admitted Judge won’t be at 100% when he returns. Still, the Yankees plan to bring him back for the stretch run. Olney believes the club will target a reliever and/or a right-handed bat before the trade deadline, banking on Judge’s availability for the stretch.

What comes next?

A late-August or early-September return would give Judge just enough time to ramp up for the playoffs. Olney also suggested the Yankees could act aggressively at the deadline, knowing Judge will be back in time for October.

The Yankees sit in a tight race, and Judge’s bat is the difference-maker. His absence has forced New York to adapt, but the club clearly views his return as the key to a deep postseason run.